Chemotherapy is challenging – and it brings about unexpected changes to your body, including your nails (finger and toes). After each chemo cycle, my fingernails turned a delightful tea-stain brown, developed ridges and white ‘rings’ (like the rings on a tree trunk). Other changes can range from brittleness to more severe issues such as nail loss/lifting. With the right care, however, you can manage these changes and keep your nails as healthy as possible.
Understanding Nail Changes During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs can affect the growth and health of your nails. Common changes include:
• Brittleness and Weakness: Nails may become more fragile and prone to breaking
• Discoloration: Nails might turn yellow, brown or even black
• Beau’s Lines: These are horizontal lines or indentations that appear on the nails
• Nail Lifting: In some cases, nails may lift from the nail bed or fall off completely (I didn’t lose any fingernails but lost two toenails).
Tips for nailcare
1. Keep Nails Short and Clean: Trim your nails regularly to reduce the risk of breaking. Use clean nail instruments to avoid infections. I used a glass nail file as they tend to be gentler. And I kept them so much shorter than normal. So, take them short. And then even shorter.
2. Avoid Nail Salons: Professional manicures and pedicures can increase the risk of infection (all it takes is a tiny nick with the cuticle cutters). Instead, care for your nails at home. Avoid gel, shellac, or anything that needs to be removed at the salon.
3. Use Gentle Nail Products: Opt for acetone-free nail polish removers.
4. Moisturise ALL THE TIME: Keep your nails and cuticles moisturised to prevent dryness and cracking. Use a good quality hand cream or cuticle oil. I was gifted an OPI Nail Envy oil – it was fabulous.
5. Wear Gloves: Protect your hands when doing household chores or gardening to prevent damage and infection. I still wear rubber gloves in the kitchen, and gardening gloves for anything outside (even with loading the car with stuff for the tip, etc).
6. Avoid Biting or Picking: Refrain from biting your nails or picking at your cuticles to reduce the risk of infection (the last thing you need is a visit to A&E because you’ve chewed a hangnail).
7. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps with EVERYTHING.
Back to Black
I did a Look Good Feel Better workshop and was advised to paint my nails black, or a very dark colour before each chemo cycle (fingers and toes). I’d not heard of this before but I did do it and, while my fingernails discoloured and had ridges and white rings, they didn’t lift. I lost two toenails. The reasoning behind using dark nail varnish is that certain chemotherapy chemicals can build up in your nails and some of these chemicals are reactive to UV light. This can cause your nails to be brittle, discoloured and, worst case, fall off.
So painting your nails with dark or opaque colours stops the UV light and can minimise this side effect. There’s not a lot of scientific evidence to back this up – but it is a reason to treat yourself to some new nail varnishes and experiment with darker colours. I used a very dark red (I’m a red nail varnish girl!) and I didn’t hate it. I also bucked tradition and tried a dark navy blue – but this felt way too weird for me so, I stuck with my dark red. I used OPI’s Got the Blues for Red.
When to Seek Help
If you notice severe changes in your nails, such as significant pain, infection, or nails falling off, it’s important to consult your breast care team. They can provide specific advice and treatment options tailored to your needs.
While chemotherapy can take a toll on your nails, following these tips can help you manage and minimize the impact. Discoloured and brittle nails can also be yet another reminder of the gift that keeps on giving, so I hid mine behind some polish.
Stay strong, and take it one step at a time.